"PREPARED and ready to go."
It's one of the more exciting times on the football calendar, with the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft now just around the corner.
Following some key moves during October's trade period, Carlton finds itself with its highest pick in the draft since the acquisition of Sam Walsh in 2018: for National Recruiting Manager Michael Agresta, it doesn't get more exciting than that.
Here's what he had to say when joining AFL's Gettable Draft Countdown.
On the trade for pick No.3 having a clear player in mind:
“Not the one or two: we’ve been really transparent that there’s probably five. We’ve done a number of interviews, we’ve got ‘Vossy’ involved in those.
“We’ve been pretty consistent that we think there’s a real pointy end, and one of those five will definitely be there at No.3. That’s why we were so keen to get into that part of the draft.”
On who he thinks might be there at pick No.3, with the draft taking shape:
“We don’t leave anything to chance, we’re really well-prepared. There are a lot of variables with live trading on the night, we’re prepared and ready to go.”
On the decision to target pick No.3 in the Telstra Trade Period:
“We were really transparent that we wanted to get back into the draft with multiple picks. Some clubs wait until the end and put that time pressure on, whereas we went the other way and tried to get that extra pick in.
“Once we had the two first-round picks, we had a lot more flexibility. Once that opportunity came to get into the pointy end, we grabbed it with both hands.”
On having Michael Voss part of meetings with draft prospects:
“I’m not sure the players acknowledge I’m in the room when ‘Vossy’ is there . . . having ‘Vossy’ there is important to us. Those boys know they’re getting drafted, and this is the second or third time we’ve gone to meet the guys and have the interviews.
“Their questions are very targeted around how to get the best out of themselves, the culture of the Club, the standards. There’s no better person to articulate that than ‘Vossy’.”
On adding to the Club’s midfield profile:
“That’s why we were so keen to get into this part of the draft: they’ve all got their strengths and a point of difference to our current midfield. We think it’s super exciting the players are going to join that group.
“’Crippa’ is the oldest but if you ask him he thinks he’s got seven or eight years left, George Hewett is just behind him, then ‘Cez’ and ‘Walshy’ plus the Hollands boys. We’ve got a really good group coming through together, so to add another piece to that puzzle, we’re really excited about it."
On drafting for the now:
“In the pointy end of the draft, they’re going to come in and contribute in some way next year. But we’re making this decision hopefully for the next 10-15 years.
“Our midfield group is just starting out as well, they’ve got a lot of footy together going forward. It’s really dangerous if you’re just drafting for today."
On scenario-planning for potential Camporeale bids:
“We’re really well-prepared. We’ve got dozens of scenarios of where the bid might come and doing the best thing for the football club.
“We’ll have another live pick as well passed pick No.3. We have no idea [where the bid is going to come], but we’re really well-prepared with what that looks like. If it’s before No.38, so be it — if it’s post, we’ve got scenarios there as well.”
On the profile of the Camporeale twins:
“That’s the best thing, they’re completely different players — and not just with their left and right foot. Lucas is a bit more outside and he can play half-back, while he also showed his versatility of going inside when Ben was out. Ben is your natural ball-winner but he’s really strong overhead.
“The one thing they do have in common is they are unbelievable competitors. For those that get to watch them at school footy or for Glenelg, you can hear how vocal and competitive they are . . . especially with each other!”
On another potential father-son prospect in two years, Cody Walker:
“We are excited. The big thing for us is our investment in the Carlton Academy: that’s been really significant in the last couple of years.
“The Camporeale boys were part of that, still are part of that. To have Cody part of it, have access to the Club and staff and facilities, we think it’ll help him and it’s a great attraction for us.”
On potential SSP signings and train-on players:
“We’ve still got a bit of work to do for that supplemental selection period, what happens with the draft and rookie draft and who’s available. We’ll have a number of players come in and train during that period.”
On whether this draft is “one of the best he’s seen”:
“It is. There’s something for everyone. You’ve got your talls, your small forwards, the midfield at the pointy end is elite. There’s exceptional depth throughout the entire draft, it’s a great time.”
